China, in an effort to control the outbreak of a virus that has killed 24 children and sickened more than 4,000, issued a nationwide health alert.

The Chinese Health Ministry released a statement saying that it was taking urgent measures to prevent the spread of the infection, known as Enterovirus 71 (EV71). The virus is spreads very rapidly and can cause blisters in the mouth and rashes on the hands and feet.

The viral epidemic also hit Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Vietnam, but no loss of life has been reported there.

In the most recent incident of death in China, a 2-year-old boy died on Saturday of hand, foot and mouth disease, triggered by the virus in Maoming City after medical treatment failed.

The virus recurrently hits Asia during summers, but this year, the outbreak appears to be larger than usual. The disease usually reaches the peak in June and July and therefore more deaths are expected.

Kindergartens in Fuyang, where the outbreak came into view in March, have been ordered to remain closed until mid-May, and residents described an atmosphere of panic. Officials fear the virus has spread from eastern provinces to the south.

"Local Communist Party and government officials are on high alert. Health authorities are urgently taking measures to prevent the disease and treat seriously ill children," the health ministry said in a statement.

Majority of victims are under six years of age.

The health ministry has rebuffed allegations that it failed to handle the situation properly, arguing that medical teams had been trying to work out what the illness was.

Extensive criticism regarding the handling of the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) epidemic in 2003 makes Enterovirus 71 management especially important for China, as it prepares to host the Olympics this August.